Step 8 – Cycling Etiquette

There are very few if any written rules when it comes to recreational cycling and the ones that we do need to follow are the ones laid down by our local road authorities. In my Staying safe on the bike article I mentioned various laws that should be followed when cycling and how they might differ from region to region. Other than safety many of these laws could also give you an indication of what behavior is acceptable in your area or the area you are visiting. It is worthwhile finding out what these local laws have to say.

Be courteous, greeting another riders even if it is just a nod (if you are half way up a mountain pass you may lost the ability to talk along with various other bodily functions) will go a long way and who knows you might need a tube from a fellow cyclist one day.

There are cyclists who insist on riding way back in the group, these wheel suckers never take the front, particularly in windy conditions and tend not to make many friends. If your group is stronger than you are then go to the front for short spells, even if it is just for a few seconds and it will be appreciated. Don’t underestimate the strength that you will gain from sitting on the front into the wind, it really helps.

The next point is a pet hate of mine, keep your empty gel sachets and wrappers in your back pocket there really is no need to discard these on the road. No-one likes a litter bug.

It may seem like a bad habit but there will come a time particularly if you start training hard that you will need to spit or clear your nose of mucus and naturally you probably (and hopefully) don’t want to spray these fluids over the rider behind you. Drop off the back or move to the side (please check that it is safe to do so) where you can spit or blow your nose away from the group.

Cyclists are nice people… well mostly! If you are riding along and come across a rider that is in distress or needs some mechanical help then stop and offer your assistance, most times the rider will let you know he is okay and has all the items he needs. I have however been stuck at the side of the road after multiple punctures and after several riders passed me without a glance I had accepted that it was going to be a long walk home. Luckily a good Samaritan stopped and offered a tube which saved the ride and a long walk.

As you become comfortable with a group that you ride with regularly you will learn the small nuances and habits that form within the group, embrace these and keep them going as it gives your group its own identity and unique stories to tell.

If you are riding in a group never overlap wheels (your front wheel overlaps the rear wheel of the rider in front of you) if the person ahead of you needs to avoid something in the road or swerve then wheels won’t collide and you will avoid a nasty fall.

Thanks to the guys running the site, you are hitting the nail on the head with your articles and content. So often sites are aimed more at experienced riders than those entering the sport and are difficult to understand. Good Job!

I have learned with my group which is normally 20-30 riders strong that if you go near the front and get a puncture or drop a chain then put a hand up and loudly let others know you have a flat or dropped a chain, then move to the side when it’s safe.

I’ve been reading all these tips and tricks and advice and for the newbies it might seem a bit overwhelming, don’t panic guys you won’t be expected to remember all this stuff on the first or even tenth ride, a lot of this will just become habit the more your ride.